REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 7, 2012
MIDLAND CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
7:00 P.M.
MINUTES
1) Call to Order: Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairperson Frank Altimore
2)
Roll Call:
a. MEMBERS PRESENT: Altimore, Bovid, Carlson, Carney, Jurado, Kelley, Metevia, Rice, Steidemann
b. MEMBERS ABSENT: None
c. OTHERS PRESENT:
3)
Minutes of December 6, 2011: Steidemann motioned, Metevia seconded
to receive minutes of the meeting of December 6, 2011. Motion passed 9-0.
4)
Call to Audience:
None
5)
Administrative policy on pavilion and picnic area
reservations: Murphy reviewed a
policy to allow pavilion reservations to be made prior to the second Monday in
January for the purpose of planning community events. Such reservations would be at the discretion
of the Director of Public Services and only for non-peak times. Reservations for peak times (June – August)
must be made through the regular reservation process.
6)
Review cemetery rules and regulations: Murphy shared with the Commission some minor
rule changes as recommended by staff.
The changes involve proper placement of plants, acceptable landscaping
options around markers, and clarification of lot size for inurnment
sections. The Commission motioned to
recommend that City Council accept the rule changes as proposed by staff. Metevia motioned to accept the changes,
Jurado seconded. Motion passed 9 - 0.
7)
Introduction of neighborhood park playground review: Murphy gave an overview of the neighborhood
parks that contain playground equipment.
There are 16 parks that contain non-compliant equipment and 14 parks
with compliant equipment that lacks adequate fall protection zones. Murphy provided options to the Commission
with regard to addressing the non-compliant equipment and the inadequate fall
zones. The Commission directed staff to
develop a plan to evaluate park usage to determine where equipment should be
replaced. This plan needs to include a
public input component. Murphy agreed to
bring a plan to the March meeting for consideration.
8)
Project Reports:
a.
Bandshell update: Murphy reported that Gerace
Construction provided the City with a revised completion date of April 2012 for
the bandshell structure, with site restoration to be
complete by May. A rededication event
will be planned in May with details to follow.
b.
Grove Park play structure: The main play structure at Grove Park is
complete and the fall protection zone is in place. There are 3 additional play features that
will be installed this spring and will be accessible from the asphalt pathway. A small retention wall will need to be
constructed as well near the gazebo.
c.
Canoe and kayak launch: The canoe and kayak launch was completed in
December. The launch mechanism was
installed, tested and then removed for the winter. The operating season for the launch will be
May 1 – October 15 to correspond with the accessible launch operated by the
Chippewa Nature Center at the Chippewa cabin site.
9)
Old Business :
None
10) New
Business:
Murphy informed the Commission that the Beautification Advisory Committee is seeking applications to fill two vacant seats. Interested persons should contact the Parks & Recreation office or send an e-mail to recreation@midland-mi.org for more information.
11) Adjourn: Motioned by Jurado, seconded by Carlson to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed 9– 0. Meeting adjourned at 7:53 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Murphy
Director of Public Services